Tag Archives: Jesus in art

Detail of “Jesus and His Horse” (previously exhibited at the ASU Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale) created by Alfred Mendoza through the PSA Art Awakenings program

The PSA Art Awakenings program has partnered with Cenpatico of Arizona to present “Windows to Recovery” exhibitions of art and poetry, all “created by Cenpatico behavioral health participants.” Exhibits have already been held in Casa Grande and Parker, but the Yuma exhibit takes place May 3 and the Bisbee exhibit takes place May 5.

The exhibits are being presented as part of National Mental Health Month, in the hopes they’ll help to reduce stigma and raise awareness of mental illness. Organizers note that “these exhibitions of art and poetry shine a light on mental illness and the power of the arts to assist those with behavioral health challenges on their recovery journeys.”

They also note that one in four U.S. adults suffer from a mental illness in a given year, adding that one in 17 live with a serious mental illness. A Phoenix gallery called Warehouse 1005 will host a Maricopa County “Windows to Recovery” exhibition during “First Friday,” May 4, from 6-9pm.

Those who attend can also experience “The Illusionist Workshop,” an installation art piece by artist Gattuso — plus a collection of works by 67 community members and artists who “created works without the aid of their eyes.” The collection is called “The Blindfolded Painting Experience.”

Art Awakening’s Tucson gallery will be open Sat, May 5 from 6-9pm to present its own “Windows to Recovery” exhibition featuring works by local artists. I’m told artists will also be on hand with unique creations available for purchase. You can read more about Art Awakenings in the May issue of Raising Arizona Kids magazine.

— Lynn

Note: If your arts organization offers programs that serve or benefit children or adults living with mental illness, I’d love to hear from you at rakstagemom@gmail.com.